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Conversations

Marshall McKay Seminar for Empowering Native Knowledge | W. Richard West Jr.

Admission:
Free with Registration
RSVP/Reservations:
Available in October

The 2026 Marshall McKay Seminar for Empowering Native Knowledge will explore the life and work of Autry President and CEO Emeritus W. Richard West Jr. (Southern Cheyenne). West was the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) for nearly two decades and served as president and CEO of the Autry for nearly nine years. Before becoming director of NMAI, West practiced law at the Native-owned law firm of Gover, Stetson, Williams & West, where he served as counsel to numerous Indian tribes and organizations.

West recently transferred his archives to the Autry for stewardship, and this year’s McKay Seminar will focus on what those records reveal about how West’s career as a lawyer and museum director reshaped Indian Country and museums in the United States and abroad. The two-day seminar will feature local, regional, national, and international experts in the field.

Land Acknowledgment

The Autry Museum of the American West acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). We recognize that the Autry Museum and its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.

Autry Museum of the American West

4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
In Griffith Park across from the Los Angeles Zoo
Map and Directions

Free parking for Autry visitors


MUSEUM AND STORE HOURS
Tuesday⁠–⁠Friday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

DINING
Food trucks are available on select days, contact us for details at 323.495.4252.
The cafe is closed temporarily until further notice.